NFF lauds sullen Flamingos as team return home

 The Nigeria Football Federation has once again patted the Flamingos on the back for their virtuoso displays at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic.

The team returned to the country on Tuesday night and was formally welcomed by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who said the ladies put up a good fight and needed to be encouraged despite quarter-final elimination by the United States of America.

“The Nigeria Football Federation is proud of the Flamingos and the efforts they put into the competition. Two years ago, they defeated the USA on penalties at the same stage, on their way to collecting the bronze medals. That is football for you.

“If you watched their games, you will agree that the girls put up a great fight in every match. They swept through their group phase, collecting the maximum nine points and scoring nine goals while conceding only one. They created several chances against the USA but were quite unlucky. This is a good team, and the players must be encouraged going forward. I believe a good number of them have the skill, temperament, and discipline to progress to the U20 squad.”

The Flamingos had spanked New Zealand 4-1, routed Ecuador 4-0, and pipped host nation Dominican Republic 1-0 in overhauling their Group A, reaching the quarterfinals where they were outclassed by the Americans in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said: “Against the USA, it was simply not our day. The girls created opportunities, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. The Americans took their chances, and that is football for you. We will start work immediately at raising an even stronger team for the next edition, as the tournament is now annual and the work must start now.”

The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic will be the last to be played on a biennial basis, with the competition to be played yearly from next year and Morocco to host the first five editions.

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